My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

My Lady Jane combines history, humor, and magic to recreate the story of Lady Jane Grey with a twist. I remember the Lady Jane tragedy as it is portrayed in the 1986 film starring Helena Bonham Carter and Cary Elwes--high romance that left audiences weeping. My Lady Jane is a hilarious twist on the real story. In this version, instead of political conflict between Catholics and Anglicans, the fight is between the Verities (normal humans) and the Ethians (humans that transform into animals). Edward may or may not escape death and Lord Gifford is a horse (but only from dusk until dawn).

If you like historical detail and accuracy, don’t pick up My Lady Jane. However, if you enjoy creative and humorous alternate history, it is the perfect book for you. This is a fun and clean read on its own, but is even more entertaining in comparison to the actual historical accounts.

Recommended ages--12 and up

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis

Eleven-year-old Parvana lives in Taliban occupied Kabul, Afghanistan. She is still young enough that she can accompany her father to the marketplace with just a chador. However, her mother and older sister have been confined to their one room apartment for over a year. Women may only venture outside with a male escort and a burqa. When Parvana’s father is arrested by the Taliban, Parvana must disguise herself as a boy and work to support her family.

The Breadwinner gives younger readers a view of life under Taliban rule. While Parvana’s story focuses on strength in the face of adversity, it does not hide the harsh reality of war. This is a good book for parents and children to read and discuss together. It can expand the view of young readers, but especially for sensitive readers it needs some explanation. My ten-year-old was fascinated by the story, but also horrified by some things (Parvana and her friend witness people having their hands cut off for stealing.) With reading and discussion, The Breadwinner is a good way for students to learn about the world and far-away cultures.

Recommended ages--10 and up

All the Crooked Saints by Maggie Stiefvater

“You can hear a miracle a long way after dark.”

So begins Maggie Stiefvater’s All the Crooked Saints and the lyrical prose continues throughout the story. I have mixed feelings about Stiefvater’s plotlines, but her writing makes me sigh with satisfaction every time. With her new novel, Stiefvater almost reaches the level of perfection she had with Scorpio Races--the characters, storyline, and writing are all marvelous. This is a great read for lovers of tall tales, fairy tales, and beautiful writing.

Most visitors to Bicho Raro, Colorado, come looking for a miracle. The Soria family has been providing Saints and miracles for generations. However, fewer of their pilgrims are able to move on and the Soria family dynamics are strained. All that begins to change when Pete Wyatt comes not for a miracle, but for a truck. Together, he and some of the youngest Sorias defy tradition and change the course of the Bicho Raro miracles.

Recommended ages--13 and up